Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, at the launch ceremony of the SHKP Vertical Run for Charity - Race to Hong Kong ICC at the International Commerce Centre today (December 2):

Welcome all the participants and top runners of the world. The idea of choosing ICC as the venue for this Vertical Run is very appropriate - "I" stands for "inclusion", "C" stands for "care", the other "C" stands for "compassion" or "cohesion". We are talking about cohesion, inclusion, care and compassion. Also, the event not only promotes sports and international competition, but also promotes health and cohesion in the community. So no matter how you look at it, it's a perfect programme. This year's proceeds will all go to the Community Chest - the "cc" again. So ICC is really a community building at its best. So on that note, I wish you all the best and all the top runners excellent performance.